The Psychology department is now in its third year of existence
and provides members of the sixth form the chance to enjoy a new
and intellectually stimulating challenge at A level. We use a
variety of modern and traditional teaching approaches, with a
sustained focus on allowing pupils to experience and conduct "hands
on" practical work. This plus the wide variety of stimulus
materials in use, including ICT, films and our own
internally-produced workbooks, should help nurture a scientifically
inquisitive mind.
It is not necessary for candidates to have studied GCSE
Psychology before commencing this AS/A2 course. The course places
no greater focus on either artistic or scientific skills; although
scientific concepts are covered, the major form of assessment comes
in pieces of extended writing, requiring an ability to write
clearly and coherently. This makes the course accessible to almost
anyone who has an interest in the subject, regardless of previous
background.
Both the AS and A2 courses are separated into two modules, which
are examined in January and June. There is now no coursework
element in the AQA 'B' syllabus. We believe that the course offers
students a fundamental understanding of psychological theory,
concepts and contemporary and historical research as well as a
critical appreciation of the scientific nature of the discipline in
explaining human behaviour. A significant number of students have
gone on to study the subject further at university, indicating the
popularity of the subject amongst those who take it.
Results from the first A2 cohort in 2009 saw over a quarter of
students outperform their predicted grades, a very pleasing
result.
Enrichment
The Psychology department prides itself on placing a strong
emphasis on curriculum enrichment opportunities. We have a range of
extension material available for each topic, ranging from podcast
downloads to research papers, which are used to interest and
challenge the brightest students.
We enter students into national essay competitions, with two
students high commended in the 2009 Cambridge University Schools
Psychology Essay prize.
The department has links to educational psychology departments,
which can result in being able to assist or even to help design
research projects. These projects allow students valuable
experiences of conducting research, with all of the inherent
difficulties and frustrations that can bring! A recent project that
was done by a Year 13 class on lying was featured in the Times
Educational Supplement newspaper. In addition, two students were
able to present their results to the North-West Conference of
Educational Psychology in December 2009, giving an assured and
intelligent interpretation of their results in the face of a room
full of professionals.
An inaugural trip to Poland and the Auschwitz concentration
camp, organised by the department, will leave at Easter 2010, with
44 students and 5 staff taking what promises to be a fascinating
and thought-provoking experience. This will hopefully become a
biannual event.
Head of Department
M H Hobbiss BA, MA
Members of the Department
J Sanders BA